Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

DTİK city representatives received their certificates and badges at the “DTİK Europe-Balkans Grand Meeting” held by the World Turkish Business Council (DTİK) working under the Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEİK) in Köln, Germany. Attending the meeting were Turkey Ambassador to Berlin, Hüseyin Avni Karslıoğlu and Turkey’s Köln Consul General Hüseyin Emre Engin.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hisarcıklıoğlu drew attention to the contributions of Turkish entrepreneurs to the European economy. Stating that there are 150,000 Turkish entrepreneurs in Europe, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This was accomplished with no capital. Our people give over 500,000 Europeans gainful employment. Turks lving in Europe have shouldered burden of the economy. Plans are being drawn to determine how to work together with the Turkish capital and Turkish entrepreneurs exiting the crisis.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that their doors at DTİK are open to all and urged Turkish businessmen and entrepreneurs in Europe to work together to trade and develop businesses.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that entrepreneurs who are a part of DTİK living abroad act as bridges between countries and cities they live in, “You will bridge the gap between Turkey and the country you are residing in. Integrate fully into the cities you inhabit in order to achieve this.”

Touching on the contributions of the 8^th President of the Republic of Turkey, Turgut Özal, in helping the Turkish business world in their efforts to participate in global trade, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Özal expanded our horizons. Today, Turkey has become the largest industrial country between Italy and China. An industry giant. He told us to explore the world and so we did.”

- There can be no trade connections without a language connection

Karslıoğlu stated that Turkey must prioritize innovation in production and that Turkish needs to be one of the primary languages for kindergarten in Europe.

Karslıoğlu stressed the need to reach out to Turkish entrepreneurs in Europe who are reticent in promoting themselves.

He went on to state the importance of native language to bridge the gap with the homeland throughout the years.

- Turks living abroad are Turkey’s “margraves”

DEİK Board Member Murat Yalçın stressed the importance of the experiences gained and employment provided by Turkish businessmen in Europe.

DTİK European Region Committee President Turgut Torunoğulları and DTİK Balkans Region Committee President Ömer Süsli provided information on their respective regional projects to date and urged Turks living in Europe and the Balkans to join DTİK.

Businessmen receiving their certificates and badges had their picture taken with Karslıoğlu and Hisarcıklıoğlu.